National Republican., 1887-09-26
BROTHERHOOD OF PLAYERS.
PRESIDENT YOUNG. OF THE LEAGUE,
MAKES THEM POINTED ANSWER.
Trouble with the Players In Making
Contracts Likeiy-Threats Brighten
Nobody-Tho washingtons Come
East-Generai Racing Matters of
Interest

The Washington Base Ball Club bettered
their somewhat un, nviable record last
week by winning three games from the In
dianapolis team and thereby firmly settling
themselves In seventh position, q standing
which many of the players of the club
ought to feel ashamed Of, as the material
within their ranks would justly warrant q
much better record in the League race for
championship honors. A free rein, II is
understood, was given Mr. Gafrney and no
obstruction placed in his way as to the man
agement OF the players put under his
charge. The result is we'll known, and the
Washington public has had just cause to
regret the methods that have been en-
ployed by the gentleman from Massa-
chusetts and except to his manage
ment OF the club. The excuse has
been repeatedly offered that the
manager was frequently hampered by the
president and board Of directors, but these
statements are, to say the least, misleading,
as from the best authority obtainable 1t is
learned that Mr.. Gaffney has enjoyed al
most unlimited control, and should enjoy
all the honors gained. Just hero 1t might
be remarked that the favoritism shown by
the board OF directors to certain PLAYERS
does not In any way add 10 their reputation
rs judges OF base ball methods, and should
few burn the midnight oil In studying
what constitutes the requisite to make up
ball player abetter order OF things would
no doubt prevail. When player is fined
or suspended the punishment should 20
and not be remifted because the player hap
pens to be q favorite. During the present
week the Washingtons will play in Phila-
delphia on Monday, Tuesday, aud Wednes-
day, and on Friday and Saturday the New
Yorks.
MIR. YOUNG ANSWERS MIR. WARD.
The widespread attention given to the
remarks made by johnnie Ward, the presi.
dent Of the Brotherhood OF Base Ball Play.
ere, In which he demanded recognition ut
the hands of the League, Is fully answered
by the subjoined letter from President
Young:
WASHINGTON, D. c., Sept 10, 1ss7-JoHS NJ.
WARD, ESQ. ny Dcdr Sir: Since receiving your
iay9r Of the Sd instant, have had an oppor.
Vile, and Mr.. John l. Rodgers, of Philadelphia.
The former was chairman and the latter seore-
tary oil the Joint committee on rules, which
met in Chicago last November, at which meet.
ing you intimate that, as n representative of
the Players Brotherhood, you were invited to
participate. Secretary Rogers's minutes merely
show that Mr. Ward, OF the New York Club
MIR. Anson, OF the Chicago Club; Mr.. Comiskey,
OF the 81, Louis Club, and Mr. Swartwood, OF
the Brooklyn Club, were invited to attend the
meeting OF the joint committee and make such
sugge stions III the playing rules as they may
think proper" You and Mr.. Auson were
recognized as prominent League players lust
as Messrs. Swartwood and Comiskey were
recognized as prominent Association players;
yet, believe, out OF these four named gentle.
men you were the only one belonging to the
Players Brotherhood. Ny financial records also
show that you attended said meeting us rep.
reteniative League player, and as such your
expensts TO, from, and ut tho Chicago meeting
were paid by me- This would scarcely have
been done had you been an accredited repre-
sentative of the brotherhood" You must
not be offended because / am not authorized to
give your "Br0therhoOd' Official recognition,
or because think no emergency demands tn It
take vote of League clubs by mail or telo-
graph, as suggested. / cannot understand
what difference 1t makes to the players whether
are to be considered as emanating from indi.
yidual players or from Il secret society whose
membership Is mainly composed of League
players. II you aCcOmplis, equitable results
why quarrel with the form or method of their
col summation2 The very marrow aud es-
sence Of the good you are seeking can US we'll
be reached by the old aud usual means us by
the new, without compromising the existing
status of any one The tone'of the concluding
portion OF your letter seems to indicate threat
II 20, II Weakens your entire argument. But
do. Yours truly, N. L, Young, President.
The following tables show the respective
standing Of the clubs In the League aud
American Association
NATIONAL LEAGUE.